Tariff-ic Trouble: Will the U.S. and EU Ever See Eye-to-Eye?

The Dating Game: U.S. and EU Style

Darling sometimes I think international trade is just like dating in New York City. Everyone has an agenda and finding someone who truly gets you? Well that's rarer than finding a decent apartment below 14th Street. The U.S. and the EU two economic powerhouses are in a bit of a lovers' quarrel over trade tariffs. They've set a deadline July 9th to decide whether they're in it for the long haul or if they're going to unleash a full blown trade war. Fifty percent tariffs you say? It's enough to make a girl trade in her Manolos for combat boots!

Trump's World We're Just Trading In It

President Trump bless his heart is not making things any easier. He's basically saying the EU isn't playing fair. 'We're talking but I don't feel that they're offering a fair deal yet,' he told reporters. Oh honey haven't we all been there? You think you're on a great date and then he asks you to split the bill... and you realize he lives in New Jersey. This my dears is a much bigger Jersey situation.

Big Tech and the City (of Brussels)

The EU's got a real bee in its bonnet about Big Tech. They've been slapping these companies with regulations faster than you can say 'data privacy.' The U.S. thinks it's just a sneaky way to target American companies and they want the EU to back down. But the EU? They're not budging. It's like trying to convince Samantha to give up her... well you know. Not gonna happen sweetie.

VAT? More Like V.A.Don't

Taxes darling taxes. Just the word makes my Prada clutch clench. Trump is not a fan of the EU's value added tax (VAT) which for those of you who don't speak fluent economics is a tax added at each stage of the supply chain. He thinks it's unfair to American companies. The EU however thinks taxes are a purely domestic issue. "Taxation is a red line for the EU in trade discussions," one expert said. A red line? That's almost as dramatic as when Aidan showed up at my door covered in clay!

A Clash of Civilizations (and Trade Policies)

It seems the U.S. and the EU are speaking different languages. One expert said 'Trump wants tariffs on the EU and the EU is not having it.' It's like trying to get Miranda to admit she enjoys a good rom com. Philosophically they're worlds apart. The U.S. wants concessions while the EU wants a traditional trade deal where everyone gives and takes. Zero for zero tariffs? The White House scoffed. Honestly sometimes I think these negotiations are more complicated than my love life!

Deal or No Deal? That is the Question

So will they or won't they? The experts are divided. Some think a small deal is possible where tariffs are scaled back on specific sectors. Others are more pessimistic. One even predicted a full blown trade war! 'I think it is much more likely that there's no deal the EU then retaliates and then we'll have to see whether Trump does with what he did with China.' I mean could this BE any more dramatic? I guess we'll just have to wait and see if the U.S. and EU can find their happily ever after... or if this is just another case of 'he's just not that into you.'